MGV’s New Demonstration Garden Article #2   – Let’s talk about drip irrigation.

It’s been just over a month since the Clermont County Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) planted the new demonstration vegetable garden and we’re excited to see how much it has grown. As we check in on the progress, we also want to share more about how we care for this garden every day.

The garden is maintained daily by the MGV’s volunteering on a rotating basis from May through October. This rotating schedule is a key part of the garden’s routine maintenance. One person manages the watering, weeding, harvesting, pest management, journaling and other general maintenance needs for three consecutive days.  Then it is passed to the next volunteer to perform the same duties.

Drip Irrigation: The newest addition

This year, we’ve introduced drip irrigation—a new way to keep the garden watered efficiently and sustainably — and it is already making a big difference.

Setting up drip irrigation for a new garden starts with a simple layout plan. First, decide where your planting rows, raised beds, or containers will be. Then, run a main water supply line (usually a ½” poly tubing) along the garden’s edge or center. From that main line, smaller ¼” tubing—called emitters or drip lines—is run to each plant or bed. Emitters can be spaced out to match plant locations, delivering water slowly and directly to the roots.

A pressure regulator and filter are typically added to prevent clogging and ensure a steady flow of water. For the demonstration garden, we connect the system to a standard spigot and manually turn it on as part of our daily routine.

While some systems include a timer, ours operates without one, and watering is managed by volunteers. This manual approach comes with benefits, such flexibility to adapt watering times to weather patterns or specific plant needs.  It also offers a consistent approach to watering and allows the MGVs the opportunity to get to learn and know the system.

Benefits of drip irrigation

Water Efficiency
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of each plant, right where it’s needed most—at the roots. This targeted method drastically reduces water waste due to evaporation or runoff. Compared to traditional hose or sprinkler methods, it can use 30–60% less water, making it a smart choice for regions facing drought or water-use restrictions.

Healthier Plants
Because drip irrigation provides a consistent level of moisture to the soil, plants experience less stress from overwatering or drying out. The steady hydration promotes strong root systems and even growth. Plus, because water isn’t splashed on the leaves, it helps prevent common problems like mildew, blight, and other fungal diseases.

Weed Control
One unexpected bonus of drip irrigation is that it helps control weeds. Since water is only applied near your desired plants, the surrounding soil stays relatively dry, making it harder for weeds to sprout and thrive. Less weeding means more time to enjoy the garden!

Time-Saving
Although it takes a little effort to set up initially, drip irrigation saves a lot of time in the long run. With the system in place, watering becomes a quick and simple task. For those with access to a timer, the system can even be automated, freeing up more time for other garden tasks—or for just relaxing and enjoying the harvest.

Improved Soil Structure
Drip irrigation promotes better soil health by slowly and evenly distributing water. This gentle watering prevents soil erosion and keeps nutrients from being washed away. In raised beds especially, it helps maintain the ideal balance of moisture without compacting the soil.

Adaptable and Scalable
Drip irrigation systems are highly flexible. Whether you’re watering rows of vegetables, raised beds, or potted plants, the tubing and emitters can be easily arranged to fit your layout. And as your garden grows, the system can grow with it—simply add more lines or connectors as needed.

Low Maintenance
Once installed, drip irrigation is relatively low-maintenance. The main tasks include checking for clogs, occasionally flushing the lines, and replacing worn-out parts as needed. With minimal effort, the system continues to deliver water efficiently all season long.

Environmentally Friendly
By reducing waste and directing water exactly where it’s needed, drip irrigation supports sustainable gardening practices. It helps reduce runoff into storm drains and protects local ecosystems while helping your garden flourish with less environmental impact.

We love to have people stop by! The garden grows best when it is shared. If you are ever near the Clermont County Fairgrounds and see someone working in the garden, feel free to stop, ask questions, and check out the space. Or if you need inspiration for your own raised bed drip irrigation system, the garden is always open and available to the public.

Article 1 & 2 submitted by Heather Thompson, Clermont County MGV